Numb. 232.
THE
Moderate Intelligencer:
Impartially communicating Martiall
Affairs to the KINGDOM of
ENGLAND.
From Thursday, August 23. to Thursday, August 30, 1649.
MEeting with an objection against a passage in the last, which purported,
as if the exceptions against the way of Ordination
established, argued there was not reason for examination, allowance
and approbation, which was not in the least intended;
for it's cleer in reason and Scripture, that if a Religion and
way of worship may be declared in a State, the same power may
say, who shall publikely act there? and he shall be so and so qualified
(though there seems not a necessity of such qualifications
as are usually required: for that of Latine or Languages there
is not the least necessity of them, experience tels how many silly souls attain them) and
why may not a Judge, a Justice of peace, a Constable, or the like, assume those publique
Offices, as well as any man the pulpit set up in a publike place for publike use, as well?
and if men, why not Women, Boys, Turks, Jews, Indians? It's true, we finde that saying,
If any have a word of exhortation let him speake, and truly in company and discourse
why should he be barred of speaking, that is admitted into the society? for that example
the Apostles did, and said, they were commanded, and it was better to obey God
then man: it's answered, when any shall now make it appear by miracle or other way,
that they had an immediate command from God, though it clash with reason and Scripture,
they may be permitted, but till then excuse a wise State, if in their judgements they
see not fit; if they suppresse all who have not authority from them, and give authority,
but as will stand with the probable peace of the Commonwealth, and so at some time,